Since 1980, the
Make-A-Wish has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening
medical conditions through its wish-granting work. The Foundation's
mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish®
experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors
and entire communities.

The First
Wish

All
his life, Christopher James Greicius dreamed of becoming a police officer.
This Wish was to become the inspiration for the largest wish granting
organisation in the world.

In 1980, at the
age of 7, Chris was diagnosed with leukaemia. Upon learning that Chris’s
most cherished Wish was to be a policeman, members of the Arizona State
Troopers began working to ensure his dream came true. They arranged for
Chris to take a flight in a police helicopter, ride in a patrol car and
presented him with his very own uniform. He was even sworn in as an
honorary member of the force.

Sadly, Chris
passed away shortly afterwards. But the seed had been planted.

After attending
Chris’s funeral, two of the State Troopers reflected on the experience of
making his dream come true. They thought that if one boy’s Wish could be
granted, maybe the same could be done for other children. At that moment,
the idea for Make-A-Wish was born.

In 1985, two
Australians heard a speech that changed their lives. Since that time,
Make-A-Wish Australia has granted over 5700 Wishes to Australian
children with life-threatening medical conditions. To find our more about Make-A-Wish, please
click here.

Make-A-Wish and Joseph
Joseph is an
ambassador for Make-A-Wish Australia. He has have been chosen for his
commitment to working with young people and for being identified as people
whom the public holds in high regard. Joseph will work with Make-A-Wish,
meeting Wish Children, speaking on behalf of the charity, appearing at
their signature events and being involved in Wish Granting ceremonies. For
more information, please
click here.